From the Alzheimer's website:
'The life expectancy of a person with dementia is unpredictable, and the disease can progress for up to around ten years. Although dementia is a life-shortening illness, another condition or illness (such as bronchopneumonia) may trigger death and be given as cause of death on the death certificate.

The person's ability to cope with infections and other physical problems will be impaired due to the progress of the disease, and the person may die because of a clot on the lung or a heart attack. However, in some people no specific cause of death is found, other than dementia. If the person is over 70, ageing may also be given as a contributory factor. Alternatively, the death of a person with dementia could be caused by a condition that is completely unrelated to their dementia.

Depending on the circumstances and the practices of the doctor, dementia may be entered on the death certificate as the sole or main cause of death, or as a contributory factor. If it has not been mentioned, you can ask the doctor to include it if you wish.'


Although as a doctor I have to admit that a lot of the time dementia ends up on the death certificate because that's just easier for everybody.
( 2 Can Chunder Word to your mums, I came to prod bums, Sat 18 Aug 2012, 18:54, 1 reply)

I mean, noone wants to read 'intentional administration of massive heroin overdose' now do they?

( 2 Can Chunder Word to your mums, I came to prod bums, Sat 18 Aug 2012, 18:55, closed)

Or too far out of it to swallow.

(the other guy not the one that gave you coochie warts, Mon 20 Aug 2012, 3:18, closed)